CRUELTY FREE
WE TOOK THE LEAP
Beauties, we have MAJOR news: COVERGIRL does not test on animals! And now we’re Leaping Bunny certified by Cruelty Free International, which means we’re now a Cruelty Free makeup brand across ALL our products, EVERYWHERE we’re sold.
WHAT DOES “LEAPING BUNNY CERTIFIED” MEAN?
The Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty Free Internationals an internationally-recognized certification for cosmetics, personal care and household product brands which are not tested on animals. COVERGIRL products have not been tested on animals, either by us or our suppliers—it’s the toughest standard in the world. To get certified, we underwent a rigorous independent audit of our global supply chain from start to finish, ensuring that ALL of our products are free from animal testing.
FAQS
Q: Who is Cruelty Free International and why did Coty choose to partner with this organization?
A: Cruelty Free International spearheads the campaign to end animal testing globally. One of the world’s oldest and most respected animal protection organizations, Cruelty Free International’s mission is to create a world where no one wants to or believes we need to experiment on animals.
Q: Why did Coty choose the Leaping Bunny certification for COVERGIRL?
A: The Leaping Bunny cruelty free certification is considered the global gold standard for cosmetics and personal care products. It is the only internationally recognized certification that requires: (i) a supplier monitoring system to be implemented by the brand, (ii) checks for animal testing down to ingredient manufacturer level of the supply chain, (iii) adherence to a fixed cut-off date and (iv) regular independent supply chain audits to ensure compliance.
Q: Why did Coty choose to pursue cruelty free certification for COVERGIRL?
A: We started our cruelty free certification journey with COVERGIRL, Coty’s largest makeup brand, to demonstrate our commitment to this issue and prove that achieving such an ambitious and rigorous certification can be done at scale. COVERGIRL is the biggest makeup brand to receive the Leaping Bunny certification. This is a positive step forward as more people can afford, find and enjoy beautiful makeup products with the assurance that they are cruelty free.
In addition, we will use the knowledge we have gained about global supply chain certification through this process to help drive more responsible practices across our brand portfolio and the beauty industry.
In addition, we will use the knowledge we have gained about global supply chain certification through this process to help drive more responsible practices across our brand portfolio and the beauty industry.
Q: Does Coty plan to certify other brands as cruelty free?
A: Absolutely. We are going to explore certifying other brands, and we are committed to at least one additional Coty brand becoming Leaping Bunny certified by 2020.
Q: What else is Coty doing to end animal testing?
A: Through partnership and collaboration with Cruelty Free International, we are committed to play our part in ending all animal testing in the beauty industry. Given our size and scale, our focus is on the following areas:
Exploring Leaping Bunny certification of other brands. We have started this process with COVERGIRL, and we are committed to at least one additional Coty brand becoming Leaping Bunny certified by 2020.
Using our role in industry associations and through engagement with diverse stakeholders to share the knowledge we have gained through this global supply chain certification process to promote cruelty free as an integral part of responsible beauty standards. Advocating for regulatory change.
Q: What about the issue of China and the requirements it has for animal testing?
A: COVERGIRL is not sold in China. When it comes to other brands in our portfolio, we understand consumers’ concerns regarding animal testing in China. As a company, we do not test our products on animals and are committed to ending animal testing across our industry. We continue to be involved in dialogue with the Chinese authorities to find alternatives to their current approach. Our strategic partnership with Cruelty Free International will also include working together to advocate for regulatory change to end animal testing globally.
Q: Does this certification mean that COVERGIRL products are also organic?
A: COVERGIRL is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free. COVERGIRL is not certified organic. However, at COVERGIRL, we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards when it comes to the safety and efficacy of our products.
Q: Does the Leaping Bunny certification mean that all COVERGIRL products are vegan?
A: The term “cruelty free” has a long association with products that are free from animal testing. This is what the Leaping Bunny logo and certification means.
Q: Does COVERGIRL plan to address the environmental impact of its products?
A: COVERGIRL’s cruelty free certification is one of the ways the brand is championing open, inclusive and sustainable beauty, including over time pursuing green energy and energy efficiency initiatives at our manufacturing sites.
Q: If you are cruelty free, does that mean you do not sell products in China?
A: Yes, COVERGIRL is not sold in China. We understand the concerns regarding animal testing in China and we are committed to ending animal testing across our industry.
Q: Is COVERGIRL also approved by PETA? How does the Leaping Bunny certification differ from PETA?
A: Leaping Bunny certification is a separate cruelty free program, unrelated to PETA. However, like PETA, Cruelty Free International is a global advocacy group that campaigns for the protection of animals, specifically for the abolition of animal experiments. The Leaping Bunny certification is considered the international gold standard for products that are free from animal testing. Specifically, the certification is the most comprehensive global cruelty free standard because it requires a supplier monitoring system to be implemented by the brand, checks for animal testing down to ingredient manufacturer level of the supply chain, adherence to a fixed cut-off date and regular independent supply chain audits to ensure compliance
Q: How do I know which COVERGIRL products are certified cruelty free?
A: COVERGIRL products are certified cruelty free. Each product will display the Leaping Bunny logo, which means that no COVERGIRL products or ingredients are tested on animals, either by COVERGIRL or our suppliers.
Q: When did COVERGIRL stop testing on animals?>
A: COVERGIRL does not test on animals. We officially became cruelty free certified today through Cruelty Free International’s Leaping Bunny certification program, which means all our products and their ingredients you see in stores are not tested on animals by COVERGIRL or its suppliers.
Q: Why is COVERGIRL going cruelty free now?
A: Our purpose and vision is to enable all people to freely express themselves through the beauty products we create. A critical part of self-expression is offering ethical beauty products that are in line with our brand values and the values of our consumers. We believe harmless beauty should be accessible and it is our responsibility as an iconic, mainstream brand to make cruelty free beauty available for all.
Q: Does it reduce the quality of the products? Or have the formulas changed?
A: No. It’s the same COVERGIRL products you know and love, now certified cruelty free.
Q: By not testing on animals, does that mean my COVERGIRL products are less safe?
A: Not at all. Coty uses a wide array of validated alternative methods to assess and ensure our products remain safe, without using animal testing. In addition, we continue to invest in the latest alternative testing technology and innovation to ensure we are delivering safe, high-quality products.
Q: Why does COVERGIRL have license registrations with the CFDA in China?
A: These legacy actions were taken when COVERGIRL was previously owned by Procter & Gamble and do not reflect any future plans by Coty. COVERGIRL is not sold in China. As a Leaping Bunny certified brand, COVERGIRL will not sell products that are imported into China or be available for sale in China via cross border ecommerce platforms until there is no risk of post-market animal testing. Coty continues to be involved in dialogue with the Chinese authorities to find alternatives to their current approach.
Q: I bought this COVERGIRL product a month ago, was it cruelty free? OR I just bought a COVERGIRL product but don’t see the Leaping Bunny logo, is it cruelty free?
A: Don't worry if you don't see the Leaping Bunny logo on a product yet. We are adding the logo as quickly as we can, but rest assured, the Leaping Bunny logo certifies that neither Coty nor our suppliers, are carrying out or commissioning animal testing on COVERGIRL products.